Spinal arteriovenous malformation

Case contributed by Frank Gaillard
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Recurrent bleeds into a spinal lesion.

Patient Data

Age: 16 years
Gender: Female

Note: This case has been tagged as "legacy" as it no longer meets image preparation and/or other case publication guidelines.

Complex spinal arteriovenous malformation involving the upper cervical cord. Adjacent bone and soft tissue are also involved. 

Case Discussion

Arteriovenous malformations of the spine are classified into:

  • type I: dural AV fistula
  • type II: intramedullary glomus-type AVM
  • type III: juvenile-type intra- and extramedullary AVM
  • type IV: direct extramedullary AV fistula)

The type shown above is type III. Type III AVM often has extramedullary and extraspinal involvement and is typically fed by multiple vessels. Type III is more common in the cervical and thoracic spine. Type III lesions are considered congenital and typically present before age 30.

Image contributed by: Dr Laughlin Dawes.

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